Lobben returning to Eden Prairie as Eden Lake principal

Brett Lobben, a longtime Eden Prairie Schools educator and a 1991 Eden Prairie High School graduate, has been hired as principal of Eden Lake Elementary.

Lobben spent 27 years with Eden Prairie Schools before leaving less than a year ago to become the first principal of the newly constructed Highview Elementary in Lakeville Area Schools.

He will succeed Tim Beekmann, the school’s longtime principal, who is retiring at the end of the 2024-25 school year.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be returning home to Eden Prairie Schools to serve as principal of Eden Lake Elementary,” Lobben said. “Eden Lake’s strong sense of community and tireless commitment to kids have always inspired me, and I am excited to join this tight-knit community to continue that legacy.”

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Most recently, Lobben served 11 years as the associate principal of Prairie View and Forest Hills elementary schools. Last year, he was named the 2024 National Outstanding Assistant Principal from Minnesota in recognition of his leadership at Prairie View.

Before that, Lobben held various roles, including instrumental music teacher, instructional coach, and the district’s research, evaluation, and assessment coordinator. He holds an education specialist degree in educational leadership and a K-12 principal licensure from the University of St. Thomas. He is currently completing a doctorate in educational leadership at Concordia University.

In a message sent to Eden Lake families, Josh Swanson, the district superintendent, and Felicia Thames, the assistant superintendent of elementary education, said that throughout the interview process, the district’s hiring team was impressed by Lobben’s focus on each student’s growth and success.

“He cares deeply about every member of his learning community, listens carefully and makes data-informed decisions that lead to progress for all students,” they said. “Above all, he is dedicated to Eden Prairie Schools and passionate about serving a community he knows so well and cares about so deeply.”

Swanson and Thames said these sentiments were echoed by the students, staff, and community members who met Lobben during the collaborative interview process.

“I look forward to partnering with students, staff and families to ensure our ongoing success and growth,” Lobben said. “Together, we will continue to foster an environment where each individual feels seen, valued, and supported. I could not be more excited.”